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Monday, February 28, 2011

We had some fabulous entries this week. I'm not surprised! Team Undiscovered- you are fabulous! And your treasuries keep getting better and better! You voted, and decided that The Color Purple knocked your socks off! So join me in congratulating Lauren of Tre Sun Designs, this week's treasury challenge winner!

I asked Lauren to tell me a bit about herself and her Etsy shop.

'I have always loved jewelry. When I was a child I would spend hours playing dress up with my Grandmother's costume jewelry. I also had quite the impressive rock collection!...As far as creating jewelry, I started doing that a few years ago. I first attended a local bead show and made quite a few purchases. After that I decided to take some jewelry classes and I was hooked forever!'

'Some of my favorite materials to use are antiqued brass, sterling silver, vintage buttons, vintage found items, gemstones, Czech glass and Swarovski crystals and rhinestones. I use a very high quality brass which is nickel-free and lead-free which is perfect for those like me who have sensitive skin.'

'Inspiration for my designs come from the beads and amazing gemstones I purchase and the vintage pieces that I find. I love creating new jewelry designs from vintage finds. Finding broken jewelry or mismatched vintage earrings is quite exciting.' Lauren really enjoys deciding how to repurpose these pieces, giving them new life in her designs.

'The other wonderful thing about using vintage jewelry is knowing it is so rich with history. For instance when I use vintage buttons I wonder, "who once wore these little treasures?".'

'I'm married and have 3 boys so life is quite busy but always fun and interesting! I love being a mother but I'm so happy to have my jewelry business as a creative outlet...Some of my jewelry is one-of-a-kind or part of a small run which is nice for those who purchase since they will be wearing something that is unique. Currently I sell at a local clothing boutique and I'm hoping to expand to another location in the next few months along with growing my Etsy business.'

'I really enjoy belonging to this team. Team members are so helpful and willing to give such valuable and insightful information. There is SO MUCH to learn about Etsy and I'm happy I'm not learning it alone!'

Want to be featured next week? Then take part in this Wednesday Treasury Challenge! The theme will be 'Luck of the Irish'. Be creative, the theme can mean anything to you, and anyone can play! Make sure you wait till Wednesday to make your treasury so it will count!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Do you have under 20 sales.... would you like more ?... yes?

Then this project is for you....

This will help you understand why this project is taking place.

All sign ups must be completed by Sunday February 27th

Barter Sales Project ( Undiscovered Team Only)

1. Make sure your shop is On the List if you "want In"
2. Make sure your designated $5 items are up and listed by Sunday Night.
3. Tag your items "BSP" (Barter Sales Project)
4. List these specific BSP items as "free shipping"
5. If someone purchases from you, you MUST in turn purchase from them. This ensures the Barter of sales and no loss of money....
6. When you purchase you then List the shop you purchased from on the blog (more info to follow) as we NEED to have somehow to monitor fairness as this seems to be an issue with other teams....
7. Spread the Love

Monday will be the first Set of shops. These are the shops you shop from that day... when your transaction goes through that shop MUST return the favor and purchase from your shop. I understand that everyone is Busy and have lives,jobs,family etc... but if you play you must try your hardest to abide and reciprocate as swiftly as possible out of common courtesy.
Tuesday the second set goes up and so on....

Once you have shopped please come back to the team forum (where there will be a thread) and state which shop you brought from.
IF for some reason there are Participants on the list that did NOT get a sale... We are designating a day and a separate list at the close of the week to ensure they get a sale/sales....
This will happen Saturday or Sunday.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Happy Friday! Thank you to everyone who played, clicked, commented, and promoted! You guys make this a success! We had some wonderful, unique, and cool entries for our first ever unthemed treasury challenge. You incorporated dragonflymom's inital flower tag beautifully into your treasuries. Give yourselves a pat on the back!

And of course, part of the fun is choosing a winner to be featured Monday on The Undiscovered blog. Thanks to everyone who took part. Voting will be open until Sunday.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Welcome to our special edition of the Wednesday Treasury Challenge. Since it is dragonflymom Charisma Valentine's second time winning the treasury challenge we're rewarding her with something different.

The theme is up to you this week! The rest of the rules are as follows:

1) One item per shop2) Spread the love...please don't include an item from your own shop3) Include at least 8 undiscovered shops (20 sales or less)4) Include at least 6 members of of Team Undiscovered (we use the tag teamundiscovered). Team members can count as undiscovered shops if they have 20 sales or less.-The rest of the items are up to you today!5) Include the tags: teamundiscovered, undiscovered6) Include 'Team Undiscovered Challenge' somewhere in your treasury title7) Write in your treasury description that you're participating in the Wednesday Team Undiscovered Treasury Challenge & include a link to our blog:http://theundiscoveredofetsy.blogspot.com/8) Post your treasury's URL here to enter your treasury in the challenge!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The rules
Pounce on a Etsy shop that is new or has under 20 sales
The pounce button can be found in the buy section of Etsy or pounce a team mate
Write a blog pots about that shop ( tell us about the owner, what they sell, make sure you add a picture of one of their items)

Then come back here and link the post up...
You will see below this post a linky tool and where its says your next click here to enter click that and follow the directions

Go visit other posts from the link and share some love ... also go visit other shops and share the love
Also let the owner of the shop you pounced know that you just wrote a post about their shop ...
Give them the link to your post and a link back here to this blog
Let them know if they would like to join the The Undiscovered Artists of Etsy all they need do is apply and take part in the Treasury Challenge tomorrow (link up here on the blog)
Please do not link to their shop on the linky tool ...link to your post/blog

Monday, February 21, 2011

The votes are in! And you've decided that Dragonfly Mom, Charisma Valentine's gorgeous green and pink treasury is the winner!

Since Charisma was already featured on The Undiscovered blog, we're rewarding her shop with something new.

This Wednesday, for the team treasury challenge, everyone must include Charisma's item, the personalized initial flower tag, pictured below, as one of the items in your treasury. The theme this week is up to you! Rules will be posted Wednesday. Please wait till Wednesday to make your treasury because we use number of views to decide our four finalists.

Friday, February 18, 2011

As usual, we had some stunning entries for the 'Fresh and Simple' treasury challenge. Make sure you give yourselves pats on the back for creating, supporting, and promoting! Do you remember that feeling when someone featured you in your 1st treasury? (I was ecstatic). We're giving new etsians that feeling every week! That's gotta make you feel good too!

And of course, part of the fun is choosing a winner to be featured Monday on The Undiscovered blog. Thanks to everyone who took part. Voting will be open until Sunday.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

This week's theme is 'Fresh and Simple'. Remember, the theme can mean ANYTHING to you, so get creative!

The Wednesday challenge runs for 24 hrs. Anyone can play! The winner will have their shop featured on The Undiscovered blog next week! Check back on Friday to vote for your favourite :)

Here's the rules for contest entry:1) One item per shop2) Spread the love...please don't include an item from your own shop3) Include at least 8 undiscovered shops (20 sales or less)4) Include at least 6 members of of Team Undiscovered (we use the tag teamundiscovered). Team members can count as undiscovered shops if they have 20 sales or less.-The rest of the items are up to you today!5) Include the tags: teamundiscovered, undiscovered6) Include 'Team Undiscovered Challenge' somewhere in your treasury title7) Write in your treasury description that you're participating in the Wednesday Team Undiscovered Treasury Challenge & include a link to our blog:http://theundiscoveredofetsy.blogspot.com/8) Post your treasury's URL here to enter your treasury in the challenge!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The rules
Pounce on a Etsy shop that is new or has under 20 sales
The pounce button can be found in the buy section of Etsy or pounce a team mate
Write a blog pots about that shop ( tell us about the owner, what they sell, make sure you add a picture of one of their items)

Then come back here and link the post up...
You will see below this post a linky tool and where its says your next click here to enter click that and follow the directions

Go visit other posts from the link and share some love ... also go visit other shops and share the love
Also let the owner of the shop you pounced know that you just wrote a post about their shop ...
Give them the link to your post and a link back here to this blog
Let them know if they would like to join the The Undiscovered Artists of Etsy all they need do is apply and take part in the Treasury Challenge tomorrow (link up here on the blog)
Please do not link to their shop on the linky tool ...link to your post/blog

Monday, February 14, 2011

We had a fantastic response to the "Hop to it" challenge! I am increasingly blown away by the beautiful treasuries I see each week. Way to go team!

You voted, and this week's winner is Khan Creations. I asked shop owner Aisha Khan to tell me a bit about herself and her Etsy shop.

'Ever since I was a little girl I always loved the arts including music and drama. When I was 8 years old my mother gave me some embroidery floss and a safety pin. I began to make friendship bracelets every minute of every day...I explored many facets of the arts during high-school but it wasn’t until college that I returned to jewelry making and picked up my first beading tools. I have been hooked ever since.'

'I have been making jewelry for fifteen years and I also teach jewelry making classes to children and adults.' Aisha opened her Etsy shop in December, 2010. At this point, her main focus is sharing her creations with others. 'Being creative rejuvenates my mind and spirit...[I] hope that people love [my creations] as much I enjoy making them.'

'I am a Pre-K teacher by day and a crafter by night...I make my pieces with a variety of beads and baubles. Some are pieces found in local flea markets or antique stores and many of the beads and stones are purchased on my travels around the world... Often at school, teachers give me old necklaces and bracelets they do not want anymore to break apart and use the materials I like... My jewelry is handmade. Each piece is unique and generally one of a kind.'

Aisha feels that the hardest part of owning her own handmade business is getting noticed amongst the millions of online sellers making their own jewelry. Help Aisha get noticed! Check out her Etsy shop. Also check out her winning treasury here.

Want to be featured next? Make sure you participate in Wednesday's treasury challenge when the theme will be Fresh and Simple. Anyone can play! You don't have to be a team member, so tell your friends! Be creative, the theme can mean anything to you, just remember to wait till Wednesday to make your treasury so it'll count! Check back on Wednesday for contest rules etc etc.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Hey everyone. I know it's kinda weird...starting the vote on Thursday, but I have a good excuse. It's the weekend before Valentines day so my valentine and I are going away tomorrow for a long weekend getaway. But don't worry. I'll be back on Sunday to contact the winner.

So it's time to hop to it and get your vote on! We had a great response this week. There are some wonderful treasuries & it was very close! You'll have till Sunday to vote. The winner's shop will be featured Monday on the Undiscovered blog.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

I'm so stoked for this week's treasury 'Hop to it!' So now it's time for you to hop to it! Remember, the theme can mean ANYTHING to you, so get creative!

The Wednesday challenge runs for 24 hrs. Anyone can play! The winner will have their shop featured on The Undiscovered blog next week! Check back on Friday to vote for your favourite :)

Here's the rules for contest entry:1) One item per shop2) Spread the love...please don't include an item from your own shop3) Include at least 8 undiscovered shops (20 sales or less)4) Include at least 6 members of of Team Undiscovered (we use the tag teamundiscovered). Team members can count as undiscovered shops if they have 20 sales or less.-The rest of the items are up to you today!5) Include the tags: teamundiscovered, undiscovered6) Include 'Team Undiscovered Challenge' somewhere in your treasury title7) Write in your treasury description that you're participating in the Wednesday Team Undiscovered Treasury Challenge & include a link to our blog:http://theundiscoveredofetsy.blogspot.com/8) Post your treasury's URL here to enter your treasury in the challenge!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The rules
Pounce on a Etsy shop that is new or has under 20 sales
The pounce button can be found in the buy section of Etsy or pounce a team mate
Write a blog pots about that shop ( tell us about the owner, what they sell, make sure you add a picture of one of their items)

Then come back here and link the post up...
You will see below this post a linky tool and where its says your next click here to enter click that and follow the directions

Go visit other posts from the link and share some love ... also go visit other shops and share the love
Also let the owner of the shop you pounced know that you just wrote a post about their shop ...
Give them the link to your post and a link back here to this blog
Let them know if they would like to join the The Undiscovered Artists of Etsy all they need do is apply and take part in the Treasury Challenge tomorrow (link up here on the blog)
Please do not link to their shop on the linky tool ...link to your post/blog

Monday, February 7, 2011

We had some stunning entries for the "Spring is just around the corner" challenge. The votes are in and you decided that Spring is Busting Out! Yay! So let's all congratulate dragonflymom's Charisma Valentine for blowing us away with her treasury that was bursting with yellow flowers.

I asked Charisma to tell me more about herself and her Etsy shop.

Charisma comes by her creative talents naturally. She grew up making craft projects with her Artist mother and by the age of twelve, Charisma was designing and selling jewelry made out of friendly plastic.

' I think I've come a long way since then. I love to work with natural gemstones, sterling silver and gold fill. My all-time favorite stone is larimar, which is a volcanic stone [that comes] in a variety of beautiful ocean blues. [It] is only found in the Dominican Republic.'

'I am a fairly laid back person, so the majority of my creations are things that can be worn everyday.' But if you are looking for something with a bit of sparkle, you'll find that in Charisma's shop too!

Married with a three year old, Charisma's creative time is very limited. But she still loves to grab what she can to create new designs.

'What I really love is making something for a client and [having] them say it is perfect or better than they expected. My favorite compliment was when a customer bought a ready-made piece and said that she was "thrilled witless"! I want all my customers to feel that way!'

'Right now, my business gets more attention from having home shows or going to art fairs. I would love to have the same type of success from my Etsy shop. Team Undiscovered is a great support system and I'm glad to know that there are others out there in the same boat... I get lots of great suggestions from my teammates in ways to promote myself and each other that I never would have thought of. It's great to be able to help each other out like that. Hopefully, we will all start seeing the results of all of our hard work!'

I couldn't have said it better myself Charisma! Make sure you show Charisma and her shop some love! And check out the winning treasury here.

Want to be featured next? Make sure you participate in Wednesday's treasury challenge when the theme will be 'Hop to it'. Anyone can play! You don't have to be a team member, so tell your friends! Be creative, the theme can mean anything to you, just remember to wait till Wednesday to make your treasury so it'll count! Check back on Wednesday for contest rules etc etc.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Looking out my window at the tundra outside (I'm sort of exaggerating...but not really), I'm so thrilled that we get to vote on some Spring treasuries! They are warm and sunny with flowers and leaves, and of course, beautiful!

Oh Undiscovered Team, you've really outdone yourselves this time! This vote will be a tough one. Voting is open until Sunday evening. The winner's shop will be featured Mnday on the Undiscovered blog.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Someone (no names) asked me last night how I get so many views on my treasuries ..... and as I'm not one to keep things to myself I will let you all in on how I do it....

So lets take TTC as an example ......and lets use yesterdays....

I have posted my Treasury so you can see where I'm coming from

So I have 6 team members in it ......
I then have 2 shops that also come under the term Undiscovered .....
The rest is up to me... That's where the secret lies....

1: I use shops/people that I know from other teams, people I know will promote because they are featured in it, people who are all about getting their face out there and making money.... maybe not big shops with huge sales but people who are serious about what they do.... but also people who are not selfish and are happy to help other out in anyway they can...call it pay it forward....

2: not all the spots go to them ... I then use shops who do have big sales... just one or two spots go to shops like this. and nine out of ten times they also will be in a another team I'm in. Again its a pay it forward thinking.

If I feature them there is the chance they just might feature me.

My Mellow Yellow Treasury was promoted by 5 other people who where featured in it .....

I twittered my treasury, I promoted it on my TatterBeans FB and my personal one...

I posted it on my tumblr

It was re twitted once...only once but how many looked at it from just that one re twitter.....?

It was re blogged twice on tumblr ..again only twice but how many looked at it from there?

I know of two people who viewed it from my personal FB page .....

I know of 3 who viewed it from TatterBeans FB page.... all of them outsiders to Etsy

I also posted it in other groups....

I also Pinned a few of the items from that treasury on Pinterset

Here is the other thing I do... My first three pictures are pictures I think will catch peoples eye.... as they are the first things people will see... don't be offended if I don't feature you first ... you will still get looked at ...

The other big thing is...convo everyone who you have featured... asking them to come view click and comment and promote if they can....

I was featured in a few yesterday that I knew nothing about ...its important to let people know you have featured them ....

It is all about promotion ... and ok I may or you may not have any sales from it .... but your work was viewed ... it had to be there are now 179 views and 32 clicks ..and 28 comments... now this morning when I got up it had gone up a page.. it has now dropped big drop...

Can I just say I didn't over promote this .... but I know if I had it would have done better.... but you don't always have the time to do that .....

Remember the Treasury I made...and you all helped me get it to 1st on the treasury list ... remember that one.... well let me tell you I spent a whole day promoting that ....

So I guess the moral of the story is ..if you want to be seen... do something about it..... don't wait for others to do it for you ....

And also remember Its not just me being seen its you to... its a win win situation

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

It's that time again, and I'm so excited for this week's theme! With a winter storm at my doorstep, I'm dreaming of spring. So this week's theme is 'Spring is Just Around the Corner'.

Yay! I'm ready to see some Etsy sunshine & flowers! But please be creative with the theme, it can mean ANYTHING to you!

The Wednesday challenge runs for 24 hrs. Anyone can play! The winner will have their shop featured on The Undiscovered blog next week! Check back on Friday to vote for your favourite :)

Here's the rules for contest entry:1) One item per shop2) Spread the love...please don't include an item from your own shop3) Include at least 8 undiscovered shops (20 sales or less)4) Include at least 6 members of of Team Undiscovered (we use the tag teamundiscovered). Team members can count as undiscovered shops if they have 20 sales or less.-The rest of the items are up to you today!5) Include the tags: teamundiscovered, undiscovered6) Include 'Team Undiscovered Challenge' somewhere in your treasury title7) Write in your treasury description that you're participating in the Wednesday Team Undiscovered Treasury Challenge & include a link to our blog:http://theundiscoveredofetsy.blogspot.com/8) Post your treasury's URL here to enter your treasury in the challenge!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The rules
Pounce on a Etsy shop that is new or has under 20 sales
The pounce button can be found in the buy section of Etsy or pounce a team mate
Write a blog pots about that shop ( tell us about the owner, what they sell, make sure you add a picture of one of their items)

Then come back here and link the post up...
You will see below this post a linky tool and where its says your next click here to enter click that and follow the directions

Go visit other posts from the link and share some love ... also go visit other shops and share the love
Also let the owner of the shop you pounced know that you just wrote a post about their shop ...
Give them the link to your post and a link back here to this blog
Let them know if they would like to join the The Undiscovered Artists of Etsy all they need do is apply and take part in the Treasury Challenge tomorrow (link up here on the blog)
Please do not link to their shop on the linky tool ...link to your post/blog

Welcome

Etsy is a big site, and when you first join it can be a very scary place as a seller.We are here to help you find you way around, and help you get discovered.We are all new to Etsy, but each of us has something to offer.

We are a Social Networking group and our top line is promotion and helping others be the best they can be